Elm

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Description

A family of trees, Ulmaceae, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Elms are tall, fast growing trees that are primarily grown in parks and along streets as a shade tree; they can reach a height of 100 feet. The tough, durable, brown-color wood has been used for ax handles, yokes, wheels, weapons, coffins, ship structural parts and gymnasium equipment. Prior to the industrial revolution, elms were also used as water-pipes and water-pumps in London and other large cities because they are durable in water. From 1925 to the mid 20th century, many of the native European and North American elms were killed by the Dutch elm disease. These trees are now being replaced by the disease resistant Chinese elm.